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Explore a world of novel talents combined with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys offer a superb mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even absolute newcomers will soon be climbing protected regional rock faces on this short program. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a list of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees completing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

Cost: Starting at €900 for a five-day retreat. Available from March 20th, 8 May, September 11th and 13 November.

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Available January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

Cost: £248. Sessions on 30-31 May and September 5th-6th.

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: Starting at £299. Weekends on July 18th-20th and 4-6 September.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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